Rescue Incidents

Scope

This Operational Guideline provides an overview of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) rescue capabilities and application.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• The RFS will attend incidents where people require rescuing.
• Rescue is a technical skill requiring specialised training, equipment, and may require accreditation (i.e. Road Crash Rescue (RCR) and General Land Rescue (GLR).
• Rescue should only be attempted by appropriately accredited units.
  • If not accredited, and where there is an immediate threat to life, RFS personnel should not take (or commit to) any rescue action until they have considered the situation, conducted a dynamic risk assessment, evaluated the skills, and capabilities of those attempting the rescue, and determined whether a rescue attempt is practical, and/or safe to conduct at all.
• If an accredited rescue agency is on scene, liaise with them to determine the RFS role in (or assistance required with) the rescue.

Special Considerations

• Currently, the RFS have Brigades accredited in:
  • Road Crash Rescue
  • General Land Rescue
• RFS Brigades have access to equipment to facilitate first response and self-rescue from flood waters.

Hazards and Precautions

• Look out for and avoid structural collapse, electrical hazards, vehicle hazards (including traffic, airbags, vehicle roll/tip) hazardous materials (Hazmat) and blood borne hazards.
• Use appropriate tactics, procedures, and personal protective clothing and equipment (PPC/PPE) including against cross-infection, if needed.
  • If a hazardous atmosphere is suspected, members should wear appropriate Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
• If a danger to the crew is identified, those in danger are to be warned immediately and the Officer in Charge (OIC) notified. Upon observing or being advised of danger to the crew, the OIC is to:
  • Activate emergency signals to warn everyone who may be in immediate danger. This may consist of repeated whistle blasts, intermittent blasts of siren, tugging on hose lines, and/or emergency radio message;
  • Advise crew of what action to take; and
  • Update FireCom of crew status, location, and condition.
• Upon hearing an emergency signal, crew members are to evacuate the area of operations and report to their appliance.

Related Information

• NSW State Rescue Policy
• RFS OPG - Aviation Incidents
• RFS OPG - Electrical Incidents
• RFS OPG - Multi-Agency Operations
• RFS OPG - Railway Incidents
• RFS OPG - Structural Fires
• RFS OPG - Vehicle Incidents